If you woke up today feeling a bit hazy in Bangkok, you're not dreaming. And it's something we're facing every year.
All 50 districts in Bangkok are now reporting unsafe air quality, with the city's average PM2.5 concentration sitting at 49.1µg/m³. Nong Khaem district is experiencing the worst conditions at 53.4µg/m³, though central areas like Sathorn (65.8 µg/m³) and Bang Rak (61.7 µg/m³) are actually logging even higher readings.
Narong Ruangsri, permanent secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, warned that a high-pressure system moving through China will likely keep PM2.5 at unsafe levels until Tuesday. He's advised residents to wear face masks when venturing outdoors and suggested vulnerable groups stay inside altogether.
The current situation marks a sharp deterioration from mid-November, when most districts maintained safe air quality and the citywide average was a relatively pleasant 24.1 µg/m³. Back then, only three districts, Lat Krabang, Bueng Kum and Prawet were nudging into orange-level territory.
Top 12 districts with highest PM2.5 levels:
Sathon - 65.8 μg/m³
Bang Rak - 61.7 μg/m³
Lat Krabang - 60.1 μg/m³
Min Buri - 59.5 μg/m³
Nong Khaem - 56.8 μg/m³
Taling Chan - 56.3 μg/m³
Khlong Sam Wa - 56.2 μg/m³
Ratchathewi - 56.1 μg/m³
Pathum Wan - 55.2 μg/m³
Thawi Watthana - 55.0 μg/m³
Yan Nawa - 54.8 μg/m³
Bang Kho Laem - 54.4 μg/m
If you're heading out, wear a PM2.5-rated protective mask and keep strenuous outdoor activities to a minimum. Watch out for symptoms like coughing, breathing difficulties or eye irritation.
For vulnerable groups, children, elderly people and anyone with respiratory conditions. It's worth wearing a mask every single time you leave the house. If symptoms develop, seek medical attention straight away.